What should a counselor do if they are approached by a former client for a social relationship?

A counselor should decline the relationship to avoid dual relationships because maintaining clear boundaries is essential to the integrity of the counseling profession. Engaging in a social relationship with a former client can compromise the professional boundaries established during the counseling process, potentially leading to conflicts of interest or biases that may affect the former client's well-being.

The ethical standards set forth by professional organizations like the American Counseling Association emphasize the importance of avoiding dual relationships that could impair professional judgment or lead to exploitation. Declining offers of friendship helps safeguard the counselor's objectivity and maintains the integrity of the therapeutic relationship, even after it has officially ended. By establishing and adhering to these boundaries, the counselor protects both the former client and themselves from potential ethical dilemmas that could arise from a blurred relationship.

Maintaining professionalism also encourages the former client to seek out supportive relationships that are appropriate for their needs, fostering healthier social connections separate from the therapeutic context. Thus, the counselor's decision to decline the relationship reflects a commitment to ethical practice and accountability in the field of counseling.